[Kater Murr]

Anyone read anything by Martin Amis?

For a long time I pooh-poohed him as being a bit too mainstream for my tastes, but actually, upon reading Money, I'm dying to get stuck into more of his work. He actually reminds me a little of some American writers, including Don DeLillo.

Any opinions, recommendations, and the like?

[the bear]

I prefer the works of his father. Amis père wrote marvellous books including Lucky Jim.

[.Scout.]

I like Martin Amis but agree with the post above: Lucky Jim by Kingsley Amis is such a good book.

If you liked Money then you should check out The Rachel Papers and London Fields. I got really into both and are both really easy and enjoyable reads. I enjoyed London Fields so much that I read it over the space of a few hours.

[Kater Murr]

Come on guys, you're really letting me down here.

More posts.

[DisconcertingWink1]

I've only read Time's Arrow, which is short and snappy but quite experimental with regard to narrative — lots of sci-fi devices, for example. More an intriguing read than an enjoyable one, but I definitely recommend it.

The comparison to American writers is certainly justified, as he regards them — most notably Saul Bellow — as the best writers of his generation.

Amis himself is an engaging character, and an excellent interviewee. Check out Mark Lawson's interview with him, if you have the time. Very interesting.

[DisconcertingWink1]

I've actually, to betray my earlier post, read another of his books: Night Train. It's more easy-going than Time's Arrow. You could easily read it in a single night, to be honest. Engrossing, though.

[Publius]

Money, Rachel Papers, London Fields, Lionel Asbo and Einstein's Monsters is what i've read of Amis.

All of them are worth reading, as are his memoirs Experience.

[Kater Murr]

I found a copy of Other People in a charity shop the other day, and I've also ordered Time's Arrow, London Fields and Dead Babies from Amazon. That should tide me over for a couple of weeks!

[Publius]

Would make sense to read Rachel Papers if you haven't already: a younger voice than in any of the subsequent novels i've read. A more accurate representation of what it is like to be on the precipice between childhood and adulthood i have not seen. He really encapsulates the feel of the burgeoning adult mind.

[Presenttime]

Not sure I trust this man

[Kater Murr]

I didn't pick up a copy of The Rachel Papers, despite it being one of his most well-known novels, because it's also supposed to be one of his most 'mainstream'; I'm not sure if that's what appeals to me about him.

I'm sure I'll get to it eventually though.

[Publius]

Wasn't aware that it was perceived as being any more mainstream than his other books tbh.

[Daydreamer18]

I read London Fields and it is genuinely the worst book I've ever read. I'm too stubborn to give up on a book, which just bit me in the backside because I spent 3 painful months trying to make my way through it.

Even though I did read the entire book, I couldn't even tell you what it was about. It seemed to lack any sort of plot. It was mind numbingly boring and I definitely wouldn't read another of his books.

[Publius]

What a load of nonsense: London Fields hardly had a fairly interesting plot with a good twist at the end; saying it had no plot at all is complete and utter bull****.

[dimensionsofreek]

I have Amis on my "to-read" list. Unless I'm mistaken, his work is indexed at the University of Glasgow library, but his father's work is not. Very strange, but I have read several books by Kingsley already, so it will be good to get the chance to read Martin's work.